Lip burn

When it comes to the face, the most tender and delicate parts are the eyes and lips. Due to their vulnerability, location and functions, the lips are the most susceptible to injury. The most common injury to this part of the body is a lip burn, which occurs under the influence of chemical or temperature irritants. Its consequences can be a feeling of discomfort and pain, which cause anxiety, especially when eating. And everything would be fine if it did not happen on the face. After all, wounds on the lips are also a strong blow to the aesthetic side of appearance.

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Epidemiology

Burns are among the most common injuries in the world. In different countries, the rate of burn injuries fluctuates between 200 and 400 cases per 100 thousand people. And lip burns are far from the last place in it. The most common among them are household lip burns with boiling or hot water (about 30% of the total). Most often, women and children suffer from this type of injury. Chemical burns are most often characteristic of children and adolescents due to their curiosity, but insufficient knowledge in the field of physics and chemistry.

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Causes lip burn

The most common causes of lip burns are the effect of certain chemicals (alcohol, acids, alkalis) on the skin and the influence of fairly high temperatures (hot air and steam, boiling water, hot metal and other objects, freshly prepared food, fire, sun). In this regard, there are two main types of lip burns: thermal and chemical.

Thermal burns in everyday life occur much more often than chemical burns. Cooking and eating hot food are the most common risk factors for thermal burns. Housewives who fry, boil, bake and, accordingly, taste and test the food in the process are most often affected by this. And uninvited "guests" in the kitchen are susceptible to thermal burns, and precisely because of their impatience. Therefore, scalding the lips with boiling water is a very common phenomenon that both adults and children face.

By the way, in the kitchen, some hot spices, such as hot peppers, can also cause a slight burn to the lip.

The second most common cause of burns is smoking. The habit of smoking unfiltered cigarettes and finishing them only makes the situation worse. Sometimes, in the heat of a conversation, a person may not notice that he accidentally turned the cigarette over in his hands, and this incident can also lead to injury to the lips. According to statistics, in such cases, a person most often gets a burn on the lower lip.

A fairly common cause of upper lip burns is wax epilation. This happens when hot wax is applied to the nasolabial triangle area with the purpose of subsequent hair removal after the wax cools. Lip burns after depilation manifest themselves as redness and burning of the skin in the upper lip area.

Very rarely, there are violations of the integrity of the skin on the lip under the influence of electric current. But such a special type of thermal burns as sunburn of the lips is a fairly common phenomenon, especially in the summer.

Chemical burns are most often encountered during dental treatment at the dentist or careless home treatment (for example, throat or lip wounds) with iodine, alcohol, and other means. Some drugs used in dentistry can cause a burn of the mucous membrane, so a lip burn at the dentist is not such a rare occurrence. Usually this happens either due to a lack of professionalism on the part of the doctor or due to the carelessness of patients who can suddenly jerk their head or close their mouth at the wrong time during dental treatment. In such cases, it happens that the burn covers not only the visible part, but also the mucous membrane of the inner side of the lip, as well as the tongue, and sometimes the upper or lower palate. By the way, this is also typical of thermal burns with liquids.

Burning your lips with ammonia and other fairly aggressive medications usually happens when opening bottles with your teeth. But ammonia, like any other alcohol, can leave a pretty bad burn on the mucous membrane of your mouth.

Small children often suffer from various lip burns due to their habit of putting everything in their mouth and tasting it. At the same time, their sense of self-preservation is not yet developed. Children's mucous membranes are even more delicate and sensitive than adults', so a child's lip burn can be caused by exposure to even lower temperatures than is acceptable for adults.

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Pathogenesis

High temperatures during thermal burns have a destructive effect on cells, causing disruption of their functioning and death. The degree of damage depends on the temperature (from 41 ^° C and above), as well as the duration of exposure to high temperatures.

Chemical burns of the lip are mostly caused by tissue death (necrosis) in the affected area. The complexity of the symptoms of the burn process depends on the chemical substance and its concentration. Moreover, alkalis cause more serious and deep burns than acids.

Concentrated chemicals are characterized by their fast action, the consequences of their contact with the mucous membrane are immediately visible, which cannot be said about substances with a lower concentration. Moreover, the destructive effect of chemicals on skin cells is not limited to the time of contact, it continues for a certain time after the substance is completely removed from the skin surface.

Inflamed lips with bleeding cracks significantly worsen the quality of life. A person cannot eat and communicate properly, he begins to have problems with breathing and sleeping. All this undermines a person's vitality. In addition, an open wound is always a target for attack by viruses and microbes, which provoke the development of concomitant diseases.

The danger of chemical burns is also that some aggressive substances have a toxic effect and can affect the functioning of some organs and systems of the body. So a chemical burn of the lip can have extremely unpleasant consequences and complications, both in the present and in the future. And the remaining unaesthetic scars are far from the worst of them.

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Symptoms lip burn

Depending on the temperature and time of exposure, various degrees of burns are observed, characterized by general and specific symptoms.

1st degree is the mildest, appears with short-term exposure to a thermal factor. It is characterized by only the occurrence of a small inflammatory process, manifested in the form of redness of the affected area, the appearance of increasing painful sensations, slight swelling and local increase in temperature. These same symptoms are the first signs of a burn, both first and second degree.

A second-degree lip burn is observed with longer exposure to high temperatures. It is characterized by the same symptoms as in the first case, but they are supplemented by the appearance of blisters with clear liquid at the site of the burn, especially in the central part of the affected area. Opening the blisters reveals ulcers (erosions) in their place, the surface of which can dry out and burst over time, forming bleeding painful cracks.

With a 3rd degree lip burn, the total area of damage increases significantly, ulcers are characterized by their depth and complete tissue necrosis, sometimes with the release of pus. Painful sensations are very pronounced and require the use of painkillers. There is severe swelling of the mucous membrane with the formation of an everted red border of the lips, which resembles a fish mouth.

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Diagnostics lip burn

Since a lip burn can be caused by various factors, it is necessary to accurately determine what caused the burn in order to effectively treat the injury. The need to diagnose this condition follows from the fact that approaches to treating thermal and chemical burns differ from each other already at the stage of providing first aid.

Usually, differential diagnostic methods based on anamnesis and external examination of the patient are sufficient to establish a diagnosis. In the case of a chemical burn, a blood test may also be required. Difficulties in diagnosis may be caused by a chemical burn of the lip in a child aged 1-3 years, which occurred when adults were not around. In such a case, it can be difficult to determine the chemical substance that caused the lip burn, since the child is in a state of shock from the pain and cannot clearly explain what exactly happened.

If an accident happens, the most important thing is not to panic. And for this, you need to clearly understand the answer to the question: what to do first if your lip is burned? So, no matter what the burn is, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly wash the affected area with cold water. This should be done carefully, trying not to touch the burned area unnecessarily. This procedure will not only reduce pain, but will also help relieve inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane.

This first aid measure is suitable for both thermal and chemical burns, with the exception of quicklime burns. In this case, ordinary running water is replaced with a specially prepared 20% sugar solution, from which poultices are made on the affected area.

Although water helps to clean the burnt surface of the lips from the irritant, it cannot completely neutralize its effect. Therefore, it is preferable to use the counteraction method, in other words, neutralize acidic irritants with alkaline solutions and vice versa. Alkaline solutions include a solution of soap or soda, as well as a weak solution of ammonia, and acidic solutions include solutions of citric acid or vinegar with water.

Further treatment of a lip burn will depend on its severity and the nature of the burn itself. If thermal burns of the 1st and even 2nd degree can be successfully treated at home, then 3rd degree burns require observation in a hospital. This cannot be said about chemical burns, the treatment of which should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

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Treatment lip burn

All procedures carried out immediately after the onset of injury and subsequent actions should pursue the following goals:

• Elimination of the inflammatory process
• Reduction of pain.

But the strength and depth of the burn will tell you which ways to choose to achieve these goals. In case of a minor thermal burn (1st degree), going to hospital is inappropriate. You can relieve redness, swelling and pain at home using folk methods.

The same applies to second-degree burns. The exception is cases of blisters, the opening of which requires the attention of a doctor. In any case, you should not puncture blisters yourself, as there is a risk of infection. It is advisable to treat erosions at the site of blisters with antiseptic drugs.

Treating a lip burn with solutions of potassium permanganate or tannin will help the wound heal faster, but this process will be accompanied by pain in the burn area due to the formation of a dry crust (burning and a feeling of tightening of the skin). Therefore, if the wound is located outside the lip and is prone to drying out, it makes sense to use antibacterial ointments locally.

A remarkable effect in this regard is provided by the water-soluble ointment "Levomekol", which has a rich composition. Despite the rather low cost of the drug, it has an excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. At the same time, a dense crust prone to cracking does not form at the burn site, the wound heals quickly and almost painlessly, leaving no noticeable scars.

The ointment has virtually no contraindications, except for cases of hypersensitivity. It is applied locally, by applying a soaked napkin to the wound, or simply by lubricating the lip burn with ointment.

"Levosin" is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ointment, which also has a noticeable analgesic effect. It is indicated for use both on the site of an opened blister and in the area of suppurating wounds at stage 3 burns. The ointment literally draws pus out of the wound and disinfects it.

Like the previous drug, it is contraindicated only in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and is applied directly to the burn site. The only side effects of the drug include allergic reactions in the form of a rash on the skin. The use of the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding is possible only according to the doctor's instructions.

Ointments based on natural resins and wax have a good anti-inflammatory and restorative effect on the cells of the mucous membrane. They help the wound from a lip burn to heal faster, preventing the formation of pus. These ointments also form a kind of protective film that prevents microbes from getting to the affected area. A striking example of such a remedy for burns is the ointment "Biopin".

To treat various burns of the outer side of the lip, use a 5% ointment. Apply it to the wound in an amount of 1-2 g, depending on the size of the damaged surface. The only contraindication to use is individual intolerance to the drug. This is also associated with the presence of side effects in the form of burning and redness.

By the way, the well-known “Rescuer” cream, a staple in many home medicine cabinets, has a similar, albeit less pronounced effect.

A burn on the inside of the lip is not prone to drying out. In this case, liquid antiseptics (a weak solution of potassium permanganate, furatsilin or tannin) are used as an antimicrobial agent, as well as chamomile decoction for an anti-inflammatory effect in the form of lotions and rinses.

Lip burns, especially 2nd and 3rd degree burns, are accompanied by severe pain. To relieve such sensations, we use inexpensive medications that are familiar to us, such as Analgin, Baralgin, Tempalgin, etc.

"Tempalgin" is a painkiller that will not only relieve pain, but also help reduce the temperature that has increased as a result of a burn. In addition, the drug has a mild anti-inflammatory and sedative effect. The drug can be taken starting from the age of 14. Before this age, it is better to limit yourself to "Analgin". The daily dose of the drug is usually from 1 to 3 tablets. You can take up to 2 tablets at a time, no more than 5 days in a row.

The drug has some contraindications for use: severe renal, hepatic or cardiac insufficiency, low blood pressure, problems with hematopoiesis, aspirin asthma, pregnancy and breastfeeding, hypersensitivity to the drug. Common side effects include: headaches and dizziness, pressure surges and heart rhythm disorders, burning in the stomach and dry mouth, changes in blood composition and urine color, allergic reactions.

Folk treatment for lip burns

Traditional medicine advises to do the following in case of a burn. First, carefully examine the wound and cool it as quickly as possible with clean water or cool compresses. The more severe the burn, the longer cool baths may be needed to relieve inflammation and pain.

Sometimes, alcohol is recommended as a painkiller and disinfectant. But in the case of mucous membranes, such treatment can only worsen the situation, causing an additional burn to the sensitive skin. The same applies to the effect of salt and soda on the affected area. It is better to use solutions of these agents (1 teaspoon per glass of water) if there is a burn on the outer or inner part of the lip. A similar effect is provided by lotions of a weak solution of manganese.

But a decoction of chamomile or St. John's wort (1 tbsp. of herb per glass of water), boiled for 10 minutes, in the form of rinses and lotions will help reduce pain, relieve inflammation and prevent suppuration of the burn wound, without harming the delicate skin of the mucous membranes. Herbal treatment in this case involves the use of plants with anti-inflammatory and sedative effects, both in the form of lotions and rinses, and as a medicinal drink. Such plants include chamomile, St. John's wort, yarrow, burdock, calendula flowers, plantain, etc. Decoctions of these herbs and their collections will help in a short time to turn terrible wounds into a barely noticeable pink surface.

But burdock and plantain can be used to treat lip burns and in the form of a gruel from the leaves of the plant, applied to the damaged skin surface. For convenience, the gruel is wrapped in gauze. From calendula tincture and Vaseline (1:2) you can make a wonderful ointment for burns and other wounds. Lubricating the affected area with aloe juice also helps with burns.

You can apply a paste of potato, pumpkin or carrot to the burn site, or use the juice of these vegetables for compresses. Freshly brewed black tea has a good anti-inflammatory effect, but it should be used completely cooled, since the burnt surface becomes very sensitive to heat and the pain intensifies.

Of the oils, sea buckthorn oil has a good anti-inflammatory and healing effect. Ointments for burns can be prepared based on olive and butter oils:

1. Olive oil and chalk are mixed in such proportions that the mass acquires the consistency of a cream.
2. Melt a tablespoon of butter, mix with a fresh egg and beat until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

Ointments should be applied to wounds and kept until completely absorbed. They will help relieve inflammation and pain, and also prevent the appearance of burn scars.

Sunburn of the lip, which manifests itself with symptoms such as swelling and redness, peeling skin and the formation of blisters on the mucous membrane of the lips, is the first contender for home treatment. Among the medications, the most suitable for improving the situation is the well-known "Panthenol" from childhood. Among the folk remedies, sour cream, raw egg white, aloe juice, sea buckthorn oil have a remarkable effect in this case.

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Homeopathy for Burnt Lip

Homeopathic, like any other treatment for a lip burn, has 2 main goals: pain relief and preventing infection from entering the wound. The remedies used to solve this problem are prescribed depending on the degree of tissue damage. So, for first-degree burns, the most relevant will be arnica and aconite preparations.

"Arnica 30" has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug can be taken both in the form of granules and in the form of an ointment. Granules are taken before or after meals (an hour before or half an hour after meals) 2-3 pieces at a time. They must be kept under the tongue until they are completely dissolved. In the first hours after the burn, the drug is taken every 10-15 minutes, then the interval is increased to 3.5-4 hours or more. The ointment is applied directly to the damaged area until the burn symptoms completely disappear.

"Aconite 30" is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and pain-relieving homeopathic preparation used for burns internally in the form of granules and externally in the form of a tincture in a 30-fold dilution. Granules are taken half an hour before or an hour after a meal in the amount of 8 pieces under the tongue. In the first days, it is recommended to take every 3 hours. From the diluted tincture, make a compress on the site of the lip burn.

Aconite is a poisonous plant, so its use should be strictly in doses recommended by a homeopathic doctor. The drug is contraindicated in case of low blood pressure and hot flashes, as well as in case of individual intolerance to the drug. Side effects are associated with the latter contraindication. During pregnancy, a gynecologist consultation is required regarding the safety of using this drug.

A second-degree lip burn with blisters requires the addition of a drug that prevents infection of the ulcers at the site of the blisters and their suppuration. For this purpose, the homeopathic drug "Kantaris" is prescribed in a 30-fold dilution. In the form of granules, 5 pieces are applied under the tongue. It can be applied directly to the burn site by diluting 5 granules in water or calendula lotion. When applied locally, a burning sensation is felt on the damaged skin, but this is a normal reaction. The homeopathic remedy "Urtica Urens" has a similar effect.

In case of chemical burns of the lips in adults and children, a preparation based on sulfuric acid "Sulfuricum acidum" in a 30-fold dilution is indicated. Drops neutralize the effect of harmful and hazardous chemicals. Use after thoroughly washing the wound with water. The preparation is taken internally 2-3 times a day between meals. It can also be used as external lotions that reduce the absorption of harmful substances into the blood.

Prevention

It may sound a little strange, but some types of burns can be easily prevented if you pay a little more attention to yourself and your children. A chemical burn of the lip is mainly a childhood injury that occurs mainly due to the fault of adults. If they were a little more attentive to the interests of their children, the disaster could have been avoided. In general, household chemicals should be located in living quarters out of the reach of children with their inherent curiosity.

And adults would do well to be careful with such substances and not try to open bottles of caustic substances with their teeth, which often causes lip burns.

Sunburn of the lips can be prevented if, before going to the beach, to the country house or just taking a walk in the hot summer sun, you lubricate the skin of your face and exposed parts of the body with a special protective cream with an appropriate degree of protection.

Keep such essential products as "Panthenol" and "Rescuer" in your home medicine cabinet. Believe me, they will help you out more than once in various situations. Even if you fail to prevent a burn, you will, of course, be able to significantly reduce its consequences with the help of these products.

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Forecast

A lip burn is not a life-threatening injury. However, significant pain, discomfort when talking and eating, and possibly even marks in the form of burn scars are guaranteed. The prognosis for this condition depends on the degree of the burn injury. First- and second-degree burns usually heal within 1-5 days, leaving no noticeable marks. Third-degree burns with a significant surface and depth of tissue necrosis may leave unsightly marks, which, however, can be treated by a skilled plastic surgeon.